Make simple syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sugar and 1-cup water. Bring to boil and stir until sugar is dissolved. Allow to cool to room temperature. Cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Zest the lemons, and refrigerate the zest for later use.

Squeeze or juice lemons until you have about 1-1/2 cups of juice. If you like pulp, grate some lemon pulp into juice. Discard seeds; In pitcher, stir together chilled syrup, lemon juice and remaining 7 cups water. Refrigerate and serve over ice. For garnish, add some sliced lemons.

Berry Good Lemonade: Add 1 cup of cleaned raspberries, blueberries or quartered strawberries to mixture about 1 hour before serving

Liberty Limeade:Use limes instead of lemons; use carbonated water instead of still water.